Nappy Luv 8 is an annual event series that molds music, art, dance, fashion and poetry into one festive occasion. This year’s efforts are aimed at bringing attention to the technological resource based war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Coltan is a metallic ore used in the making of such consumer electronics as cell phones and laptops. Over 80% of the world’s supply of coltan can be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Illegal mining of coltan occurs largely in wildlife-protected areas throughout the Congo. Not only does the activity in these areas threaten the natural habitat of the wildlife, there is a human cost as well. Most mining is done by hand and by women and children.

The cost is not only seen abroad. The average life span of a cell phone in the U.S. is less than 18 months resulting in hundreds of millions being replaced yearly while fewer than 10% are re-used or recycled. Cell phones contain hazardous materials and the “e-waste” is dumped into landfills throughout the U.S.

Radio stations on the campuses of UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University have begun asking their listeners to party with a purpose by showing up to the events with dead cell phones that can be recycled.